Author Topic: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(  (Read 7030 times)

AJDZee

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2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« on: September 22, 2013, 05:53:11 PM »
Started biking to work 2 months ago 2+ times per week and just started to really enjoy biking around where I would have used my car before. I've cut my gas consumption in half since before coming across this blog.

Unfortunately this afternoon my bike was stolen from downtown Toronto while I attended my first culinary class. Evidently my bike lock is good enough for where I'm from but it's not 'downtown proof.'
I was so stoked to ride my bike to class and avoid paying the overpriced Toronto transit and the overpriced Toronto parking!

What I'm most upset with isn't the few hundred dollars I'll spend replacing it - but I had made a bond with my bike these last few months. It wasn't a particularly good bike - but it was 'my baby' - and now some asshole has it and it ain't coming back home. I was looking forward to years down the road sitting on my stache of cash and proudly pointing to my bike and saying 'she's been with me since day one!'

Ok rant over, pouring crown royal now.
Time to start sifting through kijiji & CL to see if my bike pops up, or to find a replacement.

Frankies Girl

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2013, 06:27:38 PM »
That really sucks. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

Glad you're not letting it derail your plans to continue biking tho.

NinetyFour

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2013, 06:33:22 PM »
My condolences.  I don't know if Toronto has anything like this, but in my town, we can register our bikes with the city police department.  Then we place a decal on the bike, indicating the registration.  In theory, it might deter a thief and it might make recovery easier if it is stolen.  I hope you can find your bike or a nice replacement bike quickly and get back out there on two wheels soon!

SavingMon(k)ey

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2013, 06:54:46 PM »
So sorry. I've had a bike stolen before and it just sucks.

I think sometimes homeowners/renters insurance covers it even if it's away from home. Anyone know for sure? I had no insurance back then, so wasn't even an option.

AJDZee

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2013, 07:45:30 PM »
Yep Toronto has a program where you register your bike with the police in the event it's stolen!
I didn't know this until I reported to the college's security and they had a large banner in the office that said, "Don't forget to register your bike with Toronto Police!" 

While filling out the report the security girl told me this happens a lot.

I'm pretty sure you're right, worldstrad, that my home insurance covers bikes - however my deductible is far more than the bike is worth.

Thanks for the condolences, y'all  haha :)

AJDZee

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2013, 07:49:52 PM »
sooo anyone recommend a good brand of bike I can use for commuting?

(I'm not a hardcore cyclist so not sure what is crap I should avoid)

My bike, now being enjoyed by Toronto's biggest poopy head, was a 3-year old Specialized Sirrus - something similar would be what I'm looking for.

Thanks.

avonlea

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #6 on: September 22, 2013, 07:57:29 PM »
:(  I'm sorry to hear that.  Best of luck with your search!

And congrats on all of the progress! You have already inspired more people than you know.  The more often 'normal people' see those just like them riding around on bikes, the more likely they are willing to give it a try, too.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2013, 08:36:19 PM by avonlea »

newideas2013

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #7 on: September 22, 2013, 09:19:17 PM »
I was thinking of buying used on Kijiji/Craigslist in a while, right now my mountain bike does me fine but I'd like a road bike. Was hoping to recycle, don't feel the need to pay 900 brand new in a bike shop for a basic bike, was hoping more like 50 bucks online. Reading this thread it kind of hit me, there is a decent chance any bike I try to buy is actually stolen :(

Sorry to hear your loss. What kind of lock was it? Do you think they snipped it with some bolt cutters?

GuitarStv

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2013, 06:30:43 AM »
That really sucks.  You do need a U-lock and cable for downtown Toronto parking, those little skinny cables and cheapo padlocks aren't much protection unfortunately.

I'd look for a Giant hybrid on kijiji or craigslist.  One of the rapid or escape models from a couple years ago would be a great commuter, and you can often pick them up for a couple hundred around this time.

For 30$ MEC sells a decent U-lock and cable combo:  http://www.mec.ca/product/5019-941/magnum-3003-u-lock-cable/.
« Last Edit: September 23, 2013, 10:01:49 AM by GuitarStv »

MrsPete

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2013, 06:38:38 AM »
Some people are just bad. 
Sorry that happened to you.


Spudd

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2013, 09:03:35 AM »
Lock-wise, I personally have (and love) the Abus Bordo Combo. http://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Security/Bike-safety-and-security/Locks/Folding-locks/Bordo-Combo-Lite-6150 It's different from most locks - your average bike thief will be equipped to break through a U-lock or a cable lock, but this is something different and they won't know how to handle it. At least that's the theory. So far I've never had a bike stolen using it. Unfortunately it is very expensive. If you can't afford it, then go for a u-lock, something like this.

Bike-wise, I agree the Specialized Sirrus is a great commuter. Specialized, Trek, Giant, Jamis, Opus, DeVinci are all brands that are well-respected. Good luck with the hunt!

I don't know your price range but this one looks lovely:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/4081541279.html

SavingMon(k)ey

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #11 on: September 24, 2013, 07:32:24 PM »
Also, some U-locks I have seen offer bike insurance at no extra cost. I can't tell you which, but the locks of course are not cheap. May be worth it.

I also like to think that a thief would rather pick a bike that's not easily recognizable, so I put a whole lot of stickers of all kinds on mine. My theory is if they try to resell it they're not going to want to peel off all those damn stickers! Haha! But that may just be my illusion...

avonlea

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #12 on: September 24, 2013, 09:10:50 PM »
I also like to think that a thief would rather pick a bike that's not easily recognizable, so I put a whole lot of stickers of all kinds on mine. My theory is if they try to resell it they're not going to want to peel off all those damn stickers! Haha! But that may just be my illusion...

Good idea!

It didn't prevent this woman's bike from being stolen, but since the thief didn't bother to take off the stickers, she was able to identify her bike...and steal it back.  (Police don't suggest taking this approach, of course.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2402502/Vancouver-woman-Kayla-Smith-gets-stolen-bike-seeing-sale-Craigslist.html

Quote
‘I noticed that it was my bike right away because of the RIDE ON stickers on the frame,’ Ms Smith wrote. ‘Here is where I started thinking on my feet.’
She told CBC News the man claimed to have bought it from his housemate, which made her think: 'No you didn't. You stole it from me last night, you liar.'
When she asked the alleged thief if she could take it for a ride around the McDonald’s parking lot she said he seemed hesitant before finally caving in and telling her: ‘Yeah but don’t take off…’
‘My heart was pounding and I had no idea what to do so I just got on the bike and was like f**k this guy and started to ride,’ Ms Smith wrote.

(I wouldn't be surprised if somebody else has posted this article on the forum before.  If so, sorry for the redundancy.  I used the search feature, but I don't always have luck with it.)



AJDZee

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #13 on: September 25, 2013, 07:29:50 AM »
I also like to think that a thief would rather pick a bike that's not easily recognizable, so I put a whole lot of stickers of all kinds on mine. My theory is if they try to resell it they're not going to want to peel off all those damn stickers! Haha! But that may just be my illusion...

Good idea!

It didn't prevent this woman's bike from being stolen, but since the thief didn't bother to take off the stickers, she was able to identify her bike...and steal it back.  (Police don't suggest taking this approach, of course.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2402502/Vancouver-woman-Kayla-Smith-gets-stolen-bike-seeing-sale-Craigslist.html

Quote
‘I noticed that it was my bike right away because of the RIDE ON stickers on the frame,’ Ms Smith wrote. ‘Here is where I started thinking on my feet.’
She told CBC News the man claimed to have bought it from his housemate, which made her think: 'No you didn't. You stole it from me last night, you liar.'
When she asked the alleged thief if she could take it for a ride around the McDonald’s parking lot she said he seemed hesitant before finally caving in and telling her: ‘Yeah but don’t take off…’
‘My heart was pounding and I had no idea what to do so I just got on the bike and was like f**k this guy and started to ride,’ Ms Smith wrote.

(I wouldn't be surprised if somebody else has posted this article on the forum before.  If so, sorry for the redundancy.  I used the search feature, but I don't always have luck with it.)

HAHA yeah I read that story a few weeks ago - and because of it I've been searching Craigslist and Kijiji a couple times per day looking for my bike. There are no stickers on it  but there's enough unique characteristics that I'd know when I saw it (assuming they posted it with a pic)

That girl is my hero though - THAT'S badassity!

Dr.Vibrissae

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2013, 07:17:38 PM »
My bike was also stolen the weekend before last.  I'm pretty bummed because I loved that bike.  It was registered with campus, and engraved with my DL number (common practice by the campus police, and I had just had it done two days earlier) so I hold out hope that it will find it's way back to me.  It is also distinctive, being an orange cruiser of a brand not sold locally, So I keep looking for it in racks around here.

Guardian

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #15 on: September 27, 2013, 06:24:18 AM »
Good luck to both of you on getting your bicycles back.

On Tuesday September 24th, 2013 my bicycle was stolen while I was in class. I suppose that's what I get for not using a U-Lock? And riding a Trek 820.

Now I'm considering a singlespeed/fixed gear with a U-Lock.

I'd love to see how fast I could get with a decent road bike though...

Cujo

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #16 on: September 27, 2013, 08:25:06 AM »
That really sucks; I'm sorry it happened to you.

Here's a good article about choosing a lock (plus a little about choosing a bike): http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-bike-lock/

Keep in mind that even if a bike gets stolen once in a while, it's still way cheaper than driving.

some1

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #17 on: September 27, 2013, 08:39:04 AM »
Getting your bike stolen really sucks! I have two bikes, a good one for sports (which I park inside), and a shabby one for town (can be left outside). The less attractive your bike looks (rusty grandma-style bike instead of fancy mountain or road bike), the lower the chance it gets stolen (and if it does, the loss isn't too bad).

galliver

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #18 on: September 27, 2013, 08:44:40 AM »
I'm sorry :( my bike was stolen in high school a week before my family moved out of the area (they had been responsible for it and hadn't been locking it up at the bike racks because "it's been fine so far"! Learned that lesson...) I was so mad. So mad.

Re: bike recoveries: My bf had his bike stolen maybe a year and a half ago...out of the laundry room of his apartment building, which was accessible to residents only, all of whom he knew! He got it back when the thief tried to sell it to a local bike shop, where my bf had just gotten his bike tuned! Fortunately the staff recognized it and offered the thief a choice of leaving the bike or talking to the police.

Re: locking up bikes. I'm sure you didn't do this, but I see it around my campus all the time. People take their nice u-lock and lock up their bike...to these janky little temporary fences they put up to protect newly-planted grass. It's literally rope wrapped around these temporary 3-ft posts. You can take the rope off, lift the bike off, and put the rope back on in like a minute. I have no idea why someone would give away their bike that way! What you lock up TO matters as much as what you lock up WITH! http://lockyourbike.wordpress.com/

NinetyFour

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #19 on: September 27, 2013, 10:21:47 AM »
I have seen people remove their seat when parking their bike--I assume they do this because the seat could easily be stolen.  But I wonder if it would also help to deter a thief--could be an uncomfortable ride home once they cut through the cable lock!

It would be nice if there were a quick and easy way to disable one's bike in other ways (to deter thieves)--take the chain off?  Let the air out of the tires?  Remove a wheel?

MrMoneyPinch

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Re: 2 Months into Mustachianism - Bike Stolen :(
« Reply #20 on: September 27, 2013, 10:50:43 AM »
I sympathize.  I got mine stolen at work 2 weeks ago... and it was in a locker only accessible using pass cards.
The weird thing is that I have had it for 20 years, it never was valuable to start with and was pretty ratty (hey I was a teen and it was a mountain bike, just imagine what it went through!)
Well, that finished my season of biking to and from work. Back in the bus until springtime comes :(